The De Soto High School annual back to school mixer held by the cheerleaders, was Aug. 30 after the football scrimmage. All students were encouraged to attend both the game and dance.

“It’s a good way to promote school spirit with the scrimmage and finish the night off with some fun with all you friends,” co-cheerleading captain Elaine Price said.

The dance began roughly about 9 p.m. after the scrimmage and ended at 11 p.m. It was a casual attire dress, and the price was $5.

“I love casual dances because it truly creates the atmosphere where everybody is welcome in what ever they are wearing,” Principal Mark Meyer said.

The Back to School Mixer reminds Meyer about a program called the fifth quarter. Some churches participate in fifth quarter. It is something where every once in awhile after a football or basketball game the church or another building will open for a few hours so kids have a safe place to go and hang out and is a safe alternative to what could happen.

This year the attendance was down, with only about 60 people showing up.  According to some students, this was partly due to the fact that De Soto Days was going on, and it was also Labor Day Weekend. Others believe it could be due to the fact that students are losing interest.

“I don’t think people came because the music selection was bad, and the students always get in trouble for the way they dance,” junior Samantha Hill said.

In the past the mixer has been given a reputation of an underclassmen or “freshman” dance. Meyer wanted to change that and encourage all students to come enjoy the mixer.

“It had never been presented to me that it was only open to ninth graders,” Meyer said.